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'Catastrophic, terrible': Llorente slams Wanderers' defensive frailty

Raul Llorente believes Western Sydney Wanderers must become more compact to avoid being punished by opponents after slamming their "rubbish" display against Perth Glory last week.

Speaking ahead of Saturday night's match at home to Wellington Phoenix, the Spanish fullback was highly critical of his team's structure in defence, suggesting their ineffectual system left them exposed particularly on the counter.

No holding back: Raul Llorente takes on Perth in a performance he described as the Wanderers' worst of the season.

He has called for the Wanderers to play more narrow in defence and restrict the amount of space Wellington will be offered, making no secret of his frustration with his team's defensive frailties.

"We have to be narrow, because all of the game we are so open and in the transition they f--- us. Sorry for the word but they f--- us when we are so open. We have to be narrow and compact and then we'll be a better team," Llorente said.

The 31-year-old was scathing of Western Sydney's lacklustre display in the 1-1 draw at home to Perth last weekend, labelling it the worst he's experienced since joining the club at the start of the season.

"I want to take this game and put it in the rubbish and forget because for me, it was the worst game of the season," Llorente said. "When we press we don't press on time, we don't move on time, we don't pass well. It was a catastrophic game, terrible."

Despite his frustrations, Llorente is eager to extend his stay with the club for another season. His contract expires at the end of May and he will hold off any talks for a new deal until the end of the campaign to avoid potential distraction from their late charge towards the finals.

Wellington Phoenix travel to Western Sydney without coach Darije Kalezic, who announced his immediate departure during the week. Chris Greenacre will be the interim coach in the dugout for the New Zealanders.

The Wanderers are cautious of the coaching upheaval playing into the hands of the cellar dwellers, offering the squad an opportunity to impress the new coach.

"We have to alert because when any team loses their coach their players change their mindset," Llorente said.